Introduction to Exciter and Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

Introduction

This training course has been developed for the participants to learn new skills associated with Generator systems and refresh their previous skills and training, to further advancement of knowledge. The successful operation of any Generating Systems ultimately depends on how well the inspection, testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting functions are carried out. Well-developed procedures and planning will in the long run result in reduced costs, equipment downtime, parts requirements, and troubleshooting complexity.

This training course will highlight:

• Power Generator Systems
• Excitation Modes and Characteristics
• Voltage Control and Governors
• Generator Transformers
• Synchronization Techniques
• Generator Circuit Breakers
• Common Generator Faults
• Maintenance and Online Monitoring of Alternators

Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Elaborate on different types of power system generation
• Discuss operations of the steam and gas turbines
• Examine different types of excitation systems
• Explore different types of switchgear associated with generator systems
• Identify automatic voltage regulating techniques and governors
• Describe troubleshooting techniques and online monitoring
• Develop a systematic approach to the construction and operation of a turbogenerator system
• Maintain a continuing understanding of test equipment used for electrical inspection and servicing
• Better understand the design, functionality of the excitation systems, automatic voltage regulator, and governors
• Understand the operations and component functions of a generator transformer
• Utilize single-line diagrams and schematics for troubleshooting
• Better understand standard work practices plus develop job plans, which assist in successful inspection and troubleshooting
• Be aware of the importance of maintenance and safety

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This training program is suitable for a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Electrical Engineers
• Electrical Supervisors
• Electrical Technicians
• Electrical Project Engineers
• Electrical Power Engineers

Course Outline

DAY 1: Definitions, Communications Protocols, Interpretation and Use of Drawings, Maintenance Planning and the Use of Test Equipment

• Generator Systems AC and DC Components

• Operation and Maintenance of Generator Systems

• Thermal Power Generation and Combined Cycle Power Plant

• Synchronous Machine Stator Construction and Characteristics

• Synchronous Machine Rotor Construction and Characteristics

• Instrumentation Associated with Generator Systems

• Single Line Diagrams

• IEC 61850 and GOOSE

DAY 2: The Methods of Generator Excitations and Importance of Reactive Power

• Functions and Construction of the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR)

• Digital Voltage Regulator for Generators

• Functions and Construction of the Governors

• Permanent Magnets Generators

• Over Fluxing and Types of Excitation Systems

• Self-excitation vs. Brushless

• Effects of Over & Under Excitation

• Reactive Power Relationship to Excitation

DAY 3: Economical and Mechanical Impacts on Over and Under Excitation Control Systems

• Control Systems for Excitation

• Impact of Over & Under Excitation

• Importance of The Capability Curve and P Q diagrams

• Interpreting The Capability Curve

• Capability Curve Software

• Generator Stator Thermal Effects

• Generator Rotor Thermal Effects

• Improvements of Generators Excitation Systems

DAY 4: The Generator Circuit Breaker ARC Extinction, Operation of Generator Step-Up Transformer and Power Monitoring

• Generators Circuit Breaker Construction

• Vacuum and Gas Filled Generator Circuit Breakers Characteristics and Arc Extinction

• Construction of Power Transformers

• Generator Step-Up Transformer (GSU)

• GSU Selection Criteria

• Power Monitoring

• Load Frequency Control

• Optimization of Generator Output Related to Speed, Frequency, and Excitation

DAY 5: Common Generator Faults, Numerical Protection Relays Functionalities, and Synchronisation

• Numerical Relay Functionalities Related to Generator Protection

• Generator Earth Fault Relays

• Causes of Phase Imbalance

• Synchronization Generator Conditions and Merits

• Common Generator Problems

• Cooling of Generators

• Online Monitoring of Generators